Abstract:
Civic development focused on downtown spaces was a focal point for local officials in the mid 20th century. Interest grew after the Institute of Government hosted a Central Business District Seminar Series in the spring of 1961. Fourteen cities (Ahoskie, Asheville, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, High Point, Laurinburg, Mooresville, Raleigh, Rockingham, Salisbury, Selma, and Winston-Salem) reported on efforts to increase business and tourism along their respective city centers.